Construction is moving along at Pittsburg State University's Kelce College of Business and the Besse Hotel.
Local news outlets in Southeast Kansas had the chance to tour the active construction sites on Friday.
The business school's new space is expected to accommodate 400 students in classrooms simultaneously. New features include a behavioral study room, a wellness room, a fireplace and four large classrooms.
An estimated 100 parking spots will be built to accommodate students and teachers. The new building is in downtown Pittsburg, and parking was a top priority during the planning process.
The business college is currently at a 70-year-old former high school. Dean of the College of Business, Paul Grimes, said this is a much-needed upgrade from their current space.
"It's not in very good shape, and it really doesn't serve the functions that we want it to serve," said Paul Grimes.
A project overview reports that the estimated building costs are $27.6 million. Funds come from private philanthropy, City support and ARPA Challenge Grant funds.
The building was designed with the intention of the staff and students working within the same facility. PSU's Provost, Susan Bon, said she's very excited for the new facility.
"So this is as if you got a team together to dream all the things that sometimes hold us back from achieving our goals, fully engaging students, fully engaging with our community and industry and organization partners," added Bon.
The Besse Hotel and the new business school are in downtown Pittsburg.
The college's professors' office space features large picture windows that overlook the surrounding businesses. It's clear how the space will impact future businesses and marketing opportunities for PSU Business students.
"These are going to be massive numbers of students, faculty, and staff in our downtown community, to the coffee shop less than a block away, eating lunch at our neighboring restaurants, and really enjoying the vibrant downtown Pittsburgh community," added Bon.
Media outlets also got a chance to see the Besse Hotel.
Housing and Residential Life Director Maria Thompson offered a tour of the nearly 100-year-old building. The construction process is much different for the hotel. Many of the floors are being renovated and reconstructed. The hotel is also on the National Register of Historic Places.
Once finished, the hotel's floors will be split between office space and apartments for PSU upper-level students.
The renovations are expected to include 60 apartments for upper-level students. The apartments are on 12-month contracts. The highly anticipated penthouse rooms will be available on a lottery system.
Thompson says the rent will be $900 per room.
The Besse Hotel and the Kelce College of Business are part of the Project Gorilla Rising, which includes renovations to apartment complexes in Block 22. The business school anticipates an August 2026 ribbon-cutting.
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